Uganda has taken a major step forward in its preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), with the official groundbreaking and commissioning of multiple modern training facilities across the country.
The symbolic launch was held at Makerere University Sports Ground, where the State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. The ceremony marked the beginning of construction works that will position Uganda as a fully prepared and competitive co-host under the Pamoja Bid alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
AFCON is Africa’s premier football tournament organized by CAF and brings together the continent’s top national teams every two years. The 2027 edition will be historic, as it will be jointly hosted by three East African nations for the first time. Beyond football, AFCON serves as a catalyst for infrastructure development, tourism growth, youth empowerment, and international visibility.
The Government of Uganda, under the visionary leadership of H.E. Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to transforming sports infrastructure as part of the country’s broader socio-economic development agenda. The launch of these projects underscores the NRM government’s strategic investment in youth development, talent nurturing, and national pride.
At Makerere University, the new state-of-the-art complex will include a modern football training pitch, a running track, and multi-purpose courts for volleyball, netball, and basketball. This multi-sport approach reflects the progressive policy direction of the Ministry of Education and Sports, which is ensuring that AFCON preparations leave a sustainable legacy beyond 2027.
In addition to Makerere University, training facilities are being constructed at Kyambogo University (Phase II), Gulu University, Lira University, Pece Stadium in Gulu, Hoima Booma Grounds, and Masindi Municipal Stadium. These facilities will complement existing national infrastructure including the Mandela National Stadium at Namboole and Akii Bua Olympic Stadium.
The projects, estimated at UGX 22.8 billion, are being implemented by the UPDF Engineering Brigade under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport, with completion expected within six months. This collaboration between security institutions and civilian ministries highlights government efficiency and inter-agency coordination.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has once again demonstrated strong leadership in steering Uganda’s sports transformation agenda. Under the stewardship of Maama Janet Museveni, the ministry continues to prioritize structured sports development within educational institutions, reinforcing the integration of academics and athletics.
Leaders present at the ceremony applauded the NRM government for its foresight and decisive action. The National Council of Sports also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with universities to ensure maintenance, sustainability, and long-term benefits. Universities were further encouraged to introduce sports scholarship programs to nurture elite talent and maximize the impact of these facilities.
With construction officially underway, Uganda is steadily advancing toward delivering world-class facilities that will not only meet CAF standards but also inspire a new generation of athletes. AFCON 2027 is not just a tournament—it is a national development milestone, and Uganda stands ready to rise to the occasion.
